Chapter 84
Chapter 84
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 84
Chapter Title: Dungeon Social Circle (2)
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The top floor of the Demon Realm Merchant Guild.
Lantern light rising from the abyss reflected off the darkness, draping the space in deep shadows.
Those in charge of the guild had gathered in this place, shrouded in faint darkness.
True to the Demon Realm Merchant Guild, none of the members were ordinary.
The reason they had assembled here amid their busy operations was simple.
The social circle.
The social circle hosted by the guild was about to begin.
They needed to select the dungeon masters to invite.
"Has everyone decided who to send invitations to for this social circle?"
Someone spoke up first.
But was it because of the darkness?
The figure who had just spoken was hard to make out.
No, it wasn't just the appearance.
The voice sounded strangely distorted, as if laced with noise.
With everyone cloaked in similar tones and obscured forms, it was difficult to tell who was who.
This was due to the magic applied to the space itself.
As it was an important matter, it was the guild's consideration to allow equal, free discussion without favoritism.
Especially since it was a gathering of various races.
"Will there be any new faces at this social circle?"
It was a social circle hosted by the guild.
On the surface, it was an exchange event, but it was far from a mere friendly get-together.
The guild would thoroughly record the power levels of all attendees.
It was essentially surveillance.
Thus, the process of selecting and choosing which dungeons to invite was quite crucial.
Inviting clueless novices would only muddy the waters.
"The Succubus Queen won't come this time either, right?"
Several responses came immediately to the question.
"It's been over decades since she vanished. Her lieutenant has attended in her place so far. What would make this time different?"
"Still, shouldn't we send an invitation? Reports say she's gone into hiding to reach 6-star."
"Heh, the Succubus Queen's dungeon is in the human realm, not the demon realm. Aiming for 6-star... Is it ambition or recklessness? Tsk."
"Hush, watch your words. If she really reaches 6-star, we'll be the ones bowing our heads."
Voices split in the same tone.
Unknown forms.
Thanks to the anonymity, the meeting proceeded without hindrance.
"Well, you never know. Anyway, everyone knows about those rumors, right? The Church has sharpened its blades. The damage to vampire dungeons is severe."
The topic shifted quickly.
It was common with so many attendees.
"Baalcherit must be suffering too. She's been treated as high demon nobility thanks to her bloodline, but things must be tough now. Hahaha."
They laughed and chatted while greedily downing the wine on the table.
The snacks were other dungeons they savored, so no issues there.
Another fiddled with exotic goods and jewels on the table as they talked.
Their topics kept changing.
Straying to unrelated matters before circling back to the original.
"By the way, I hear there's an intriguing dungeon."
The room fell silent at the words "intriguing dungeon," as if on cue.
These were the guild's operators.
Most of the guild's profits came from dungeons.
It was no surprise they all perked up at such words.
"The dungeon hasn't even been around for a full year yet. But the audit team reports it's already repelled many adventurers. And its transaction volume with the guild is overwhelming."
"Ho. Sounds intriguing. Could you tell us more?"
"Here's the report from the audit team. I'll distribute copies."
Reports appeared before each one.
The author field read: Audit Team Chief Moltis.
"Molitis from the audit team? Quite capable, isn't he?"
Everyone nodded.
Moltis, the monster serving as audit team chief, was an owl bear with a bird-like head on a bear's frame.
Whether the head was an owl or barn owl was debated, but that wasn't the point.
The focus was that Chief Moltis was a true professional.
Not from high demon nobility, he had no connections—pure merit got him to chief.
But they didn't know.
Chief Moltis was already under Celia's control.
Unaware, they began reading his report.
"Heh... A dungeon like this exists..."
The contents were shocking.
What one year? It was barely half a year—a newborn among newborns.
It had taken down a silver-rank adventurer, even if just once.
It traded heavily with the guild using loot from adventurers, with promising future potential.
"A dungeon like this in these times is surprising."
"Right? Humans have grown too strong lately."
Newborn dungeons rarely lasted long in reality.
And it hurt the guild badly.
They needed new dungeons to grow into customers and profits, but they were crushed early.
Handing out aid first would be too costly.
So, even one such dungeon was a blessing.
"Then, no objections to inviting that dungeon's master?"
"None, but who is the master?"
"Hm... The report says succubus."
"Ah, I missed that part."
At "succubus," another question arose.
"One of the Succubus Queen's brood, then?"
Succubi were dream demons, not frontline fighters, so they lived in packs.
It wasn't odd to assume affiliation.
"No, doesn't seem so. The chief said no relation at all. No pack either."
A lone succubus, unattached.
Many monsters lacked large packs these days.
They nodded, agreeing to invite.
Moving on swiftly.
"Next on the list..."
Their discussions continued late into the night.
"So, this social circle is happening soon."
Celia murmured as she read the invitation.
A guild member had just visited to deliver it.
"An invitation..."
The contents were straightforward.
A simple gathering for social exchange.
Of course, it wouldn't be just casual chat.
She knew of such events from her time in a succubus dungeon.
But the details of how they unfolded? Unknown.
"It's probably just riffraff gossiping anyway."
Obvious without attending.
And they were potential enemies.
Ones to eventually crush and subjugate.
That was Celia's loyalty to the great one.
"As expected, Master is incredible."
Two days ago, she had received a specific order.
'As expected of Master.'
The invitation arrived just now.
Yet the great one's order came two days prior.
He had already chosen attendees before the event.
Meaning he knew of it in advance.
"I'm still far from grasping Master's deep intentions."
Celia sighed regretfully, organizing her thoughts.
Most prior matters were handled.
Malu had returned to Master's side, and the holy knights, already swayed by Malu, had gone back.
They would join the Church's delegation as ordered, then re-enter Sail Kingdom.
But then, they'd swing swords at nobles, not royalty—as Celia desired.
"Already looking forward to it?"
How her planted gifts would be used depended on the Church.
"No need to worry about that place for a while."
Church and Sail Kingdom affairs were out of her hands.
Just watch; no need to intervene.
If truly needed, Princess Irena would request directly.
The issue was the social circle.
Two days away, per the invitation.
"Still some time left."
Not much.
But not too little.
Enough to prepare Arch Lich and Azmo.
They'd represent the dungeon at the event.
No reckless acts to tarnish Master's face.
"Summon Arch Lich first."
Easy, as he was in the same dungeon.
Azmo was the problem.
An incubus, his dungeon on Earth, not Eldorado Continent.
Celia pondered summoning a monster from another dimension.
"......"
Fortuitously, a dimensional gate opened inside the dungeon.
Connected to Azmo's dungeon.
"Bring Azmo too!"
Celia commanded promptly.
Skeleton knights rushed through the gate to fetch him at her order.
Now, Celia's training began.
When Azmo first arrived, he was horrified by the dungeon.
More like on the verge of collapse.
- Th-this isn't beauty...!
Purely simple, practical design—no frills.
But realizing the designer was the great one, he flipped.
- Practical simplicity is the ultimate beauty! As expected of the great Master!
Azmo received various lessons from Celia here.
Eldorado Continent knowledge, dungeon life glimpses.
All to debut splendidly at the social circle—Celia's intent.
Time flew.
The invitation date arrived.
Guild staff awaited outside on time.
"Don't tarnish Master's face. Go well."
Celia gave final reminders to Arch Lich and Azmo.
"Snap!"
Arch Lich stayed positive.
"Of course, Lady Celia."
Azmo knelt deeply in greeting.
Earth-born, yet fully embraced Eldorado lore.
Azmo was perfect now.
In his arms: Arch Lich's thick notebook.
Arch Lich couldn't bring skeletons, so Azmo carried it.
Confirming the notebook, Arch Lich nodded.
No issues left.